2016 SPECIAL
To ensure that all levels of the value chain get the most out of HTS , choosing the right ground segment technology is essential .
Bell explained : “[ This is ] because of local tastes or cultural restrictions for content . The narrow spot-beam architecture , with high throughput at a low price , is a perfect fit here .”
The many HTS systems on the horizon will bring “ enormous opportunities ” for operators and service providers . However , in order to ensure that all levels of the value chain get the most out of HTS , choosing the right ground segment technology is essential , said Mario Querner , VP of Asia , Newtec .
The evolution of HTS , according to Newtec , can also be intrinsically linked to the trend towards multi-service networks across the industry , which will in turn create an increasing number of challenges for broadcasters .
On track to meet emerging challenges Over-the-top ( OTT ), IP workflows , the demand for higher quality TV services — 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) springs readily to mind — are creating more complex workflows that need to be navigated .
To overcome challenges such as increased price pressure , increased user expectation for interactivity , “ always-on ” connectivity and pressure on efficiency in both the ground and space segments , Newtec offers Newtec Dialog , a single , scalable and flexible multi-service IPbased platform for MultiService Broadcast ( MSBC ).
With such a platform , said Newtec , broadcasters ’ Opex and Capex challenges are addressed while allowing them to remain agile in enabling new satellite services .
For Foxcom , 2015 was a year of growth and consolidation , following the company ’ s acquisition by the Global Invacom Group , and as it continues to make the development and enhancement of its RF-over-fibre Interfacility Links ( IFLs ) a priority .
One of Foxcom ’ s 2015 highlights , revealed Jon Matthews , CEO of Foxcom , was to meet the challenge to provide site diversity to Ka-band teleport operators . Foxcom overcame this challenge by transmitting multiple L-band signals over single-mode fibre at a distance of 120km , a solution that included optical amplifiers , DWDM ( dense wavelength division multiplexing ) multiplexers and switches .
Moving forward , Foxcom sees an increasing trend in the satellite industry to deploy long distance fibre links for Ka-band earth station site diversity .
When your core market is Asia-Pacific , it only stands to reason that you will seek to continue to expand your footprint across the region . And that is exactly what APT Satellite is continuing to achieve , as Huang Bao Zhong , executive VP of marketing and sales , APT Satellite , described : “ We provide an unbeatable TV neighbourhood for both contribution and distribution in C- and Ku-bands .
“ We now service more than 600 TV stations , where we provide tailor-made solutions according to each customer ’ s needs .”
Last October saw the successful launch of APSTAR-9 , adding to the APSTAR-5 and APSTAR-7 satellites , which APT Satellite calls “ two of the most important satellite networks in Asia ”.
Together , these satellites provide C- and Ku-band coverage across Asia , providing critical services such as direct-to-home ( DTH ), which will remain hugely relevant in developing countries that are still transitioning to digital TV , according to Huang .
“ DTH will be around for at least another decade … [ and ] the demand for C-band contribution will also remain high in Asia ,” said Huang , adding that another key point to note is that regardless of resolution , satellite remains the most effective platform to deliver content to mass audiences in Asia — including 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ).
Satellite systems primed for UHDTV delivery ? In 2013 , Malaysia ’ s Measat Satellite Systems conducted Asia ’ s “ first ” 4K / UHD transmission over satellite using DVB-S2 transmission and MPEG-4 AVC / H . 264 compression .
This was followed by more advanced trials and live demonstrations with DVB-S2X and HEVC / H . 265 , culminating in the September 2015 launch of the Fashion One 4K channel on the Measat-3a satellite .
While various challenges and uncertainties remain before 4K / UHD can become mainstream , 4K / UHD is increasingly being accepted as the next stage in digital video ’ s continuing evolution , said John Loke , Measat ’ s vice-president , Network Engineering and Operations .
Writing in the Q4 2015 edition of the Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council ( APSCC ) newsletter , Loke added : “ Consumer awareness of 4K / UHD will grow with more 4K / UHD trials , which will coincide with major world events such as the 2016 Olympics and World Cup 2018 .
“ Content creators are ramping up 4K / UHD production for channel aggregation . Proven 4K / UHD distribution services are already available from leading satellite operators .
“ Pay-TV operators are beginning to introduce 4K / UHD channels , and consumers have expressed 4K / UHD readiness with 4K / UHD TV sales increasing .”
The supplement is published by : Editec International Pte Ltd — publisher of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting 61 Tai Seng Avenue # 05-01 Crescendas Print Media Hub Singapore 534167 Tel : + 65 6282 8456 Website : www . apb-news . com
EDITORIAL managing editor Shawn Liew
PRODUCTION production editor Zuraini Ridzwan
junior sub-editor Genevieve Chan senior multimedia designer Raymund Jaudian
multimedia designer Waldomar Zuniga
ad / office administrator Irene Lok
accounts executive Tan Hui Min
MARKETING marketing & sales director Jason Lee
senior sales manager Jessie Tan
CIRCULATION & PROMOTIONS chief community officer Lynn Chee
All rights reserved . MCI ( P ) 006 / 08 / 2015 PPS 985 / 06 / 2013 ( 022995 ) Printed by Markono Print Media Pte Ltd
PUBLISHING publisher / editorial director Andrew Yeo
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